August 7th, 2011 "Joy"

Kids PM Time Schedule (4pm-6:30pm)

4-4:45 Prep

4:45 Meet & Greet/Centers

5:05 Gather for Circle Time

5:10 Pass the Peace & Go around

5:20 Hand out Snacks in Circle

5:25 Readings & Dialogue

5:45 Solidarity Prayer

5:50 Music & Dance

6:00 Art Making & Centers

Tips:

·        Go over schedule each week at the beginning of your “Go Around”.

·        Give kids a heads up before transitioning into each new thing, 

·        and give them directions on how to transition.

·        Give 5 minute warnings for clean up times.

Center suggestions: These do not necessarily need to be connected to the theme of the evening. Having 2-3 places where kids can engage in an activity is enough (coloring, playing a game, etc.). Give them a heads up to let them know what time they will be called to gather in a circle.


Gathering Time suggestions: Think of a fun way to round up the kids (sing a song, clap your hands in a call and response, flash the lights). Show and tell kids where and how to gather.

Pass the Peace &Go around suggestions: Take a moment to have kids pass the peace to each other. Maybe think if a fun way for kids to do that (high five, elbow bumps, etc.)

Who knows what Joy is? Tell me what Joy looks like? What does Joy not look like?

(You can also try "Show me what this looks like" & "Show me what this doesn't look like” and have kids write down, draw or act it out. Having kids physically involved is a great way to keep them engaged.)   
 
Reading & Dialouge Suggestions:
As you know, this season we are learning about the fruits of the spirit.

Galatians 5:22-23

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self control. There is no law against things like this.

Do you remember why they are called fruits of the spirit?

Which fruit of the spirit do you think we are going to talk about tonight?

Here's a story in the bible that talks about Joy:

While I read to you, think about 2 ways that Hannah experiences or shows Joy in this story. (giving kids a "job" helps them pay attention and stay engaged).

1 Samuel 2:1-10 Hannah
Having visual aides are always a plus (pictures, props, etc.) 
After reading, ask kids what 2 things they found and discuss.

Suggested dialogue questions: Can you think of a time when you experienced Joy? What are some ways you can remember to be Joyful this week?

Solidarity Prayer: This season we are thinking about/praying for our PM Teams. This week we are praying for the ______ team. In 2-3 phrases, explain who this is and ask the kids how they think we can pray for them. Consider writing it down on a large piece of paper, and then have the kids take turns praying for each part.

Music Suggestions: Although it's fun to at least have one song that is connected to our theme, it is not mandatory. Check out some of our music links for some ideas.  

Art Making/Process Suggestions: Polynesian Tiki Masks and Poles often show a range of strong emotions. Do a little research or come up with your own way to make a Polynesian Tiki Mask or Pole.

If you want, check out some of our links for coloring pages and word games and print them out for your centers.